Orix Buffaloes ・ Ryoma Nishikawa outfielder (31) expressed his determination on the 29th to become the “prevention guru” for the July campaign.Last year, he injured his left ankle during the July 1 match against Seibu Lions (in Naha) and was sidelined for over a month and a half. Unsatisfied with the fact that he is currently the only player on the team to have appeared in every match so far, he was already looking ahead to the summer campaign.

"I've been talking with my trainer for a while now, and we've been making various preparations." Last season's accident happened when he was in top form, batting .314. "It was really frustrating," he said, recalling the bitter memory. He's now focusing more on his own body and being sensitive to changes in his condition. "There are a lot of injured players, so I don't think I can afford to be sidelined. I want to keep a steady pace," he said, planning to deliver consistent performance.

In the game against Rakuten Eagles on the 28th (at Hotto Motto Field Kobe), he hit his first bases loaded slam in his 11th year as a professional. He decided the game with one swing. After the game against Nippon-Ham on the 30th (at Escon Stadium), he will enter July, a month he was absent from last year. He renewed his resolve, saying, "I want to get hits in crucial situations that lead to wins." He is in hit streak of 14 consecutive games. The Orix Buffaloes, who are chasing league leaders Seibu Lions by 5 games, have a lively prodigy on their team. (Toru Nagata)